Green light for Europe’s largest wind farm

The Scottish Executive has announced the go-ahead for what will be Europe’s largest wind farm, in a move that has been warmly praised by renewable energy advocates. The Whitelee facility, south of Glasgow, will generate 322 megawatts and provide more than 11% of Scotland’s renewable energy target (18% by 2010).

The ScottishPower plant will have 140 turbines and cover 55 square kilometres. Construction on the wind farm will begin this summer, and will be operational by 2008. Full capacity is expected to be achieved by mid-2009.

“This fantastic news is a further sign that onshore wind is delivering and should give confidence to the Government to commit to expanding the role of wind and renewables in the ongoing Energy Review,” said Marcus Rand, Chief Executive of the British Wind Energy Association. “Wind, both on and offshore, represents our best chance of delivering significant quantities of carbon free power by 2015 and this project will be an essential part of that delivery.”

Maf Smith, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables said, “The Scottish Executive today is making a bit of history and we welcome their decision which will in turn ensure that Scotland’s renewable energy industry is well able to deliver on its targets ahead of schedule.”